Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach
4.6(16K)google
4.1(441)yelp
Nature
Overview
The Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, also known simply as Fort Taylor, is a Florida State Park and National Historic Landmark centered on a Civil War-era fort located near the southern tip of Key West, Florida.
Practical Info
Every day8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Suggested Duration3-5 hours
Best TimeIdeal from November to April during the dry seasons. Hit the coastline right at 8:00 AM opening; universally voted Key West's cleanest beach with pristine turquoise waves and crushed coral sands, early morning sun perfectly illuminates the historic Civil War-era brick fort ramparts behind, while securing shaded park stalls easily.
Getting TherePerched at the absolute southwestern tip of Key West inside the Truman Annex at the dead end of Southard Street. Driving a car is mandatory due to its deep naval base perimeter: follow Southard Street west through the active security residential gates of the Truman Annex and drive 1 mile. Features extensive, free shaded asphalt parking plazas steps from the surf.
Travel Tips
- The oceanfront is comprised of sharp, natural coral rock and shell fragments rather than soft sand; entering the surf barefoot or in standard flip-flops risks deep lacerations and marine infections. Tough, hard-soled water shoes are mandatory. The federal Interagency Pass is invalid here; a separate state park fee applies.
- Observe strict marine sanctuary regulations: the beach drops off rapidly into a deep-water shipping channel with aggressive currents. Snorkelers are legally mandated to deploy a standard Divers-Down flag; harvesting or collecting any live or dead coral, conch shells, or historical military artifacts is strictly illegal.
Photo Tips
Photo Spots
- Optimize sunset vectors and gate locks: this is the only beachfront in Key West offering an unobstructed view of the sun dipping straight into the Gulf. Because park gates lock at sunset, enter before 04:30 PM to secure positioning; the western rock jetties provide the premier clear angle away from crowds.
Reviews
Positive
- This is widely regarded as Key West's cleanest and most natural beach, with crystal-clear water where you can see tons of coral and tropical fish while snorkeling.
- The beach sits right next to an old Civil War-era brick fort; you can enjoy sunbathing while exploring historic ruins, giving the experience a rich historic depth.
- The park interior is deeply shaded with trees, offering a spacious pine forest picnic area with clean grills, and the rinse and changing facilities are kept immaculate.
- Since it is located inside a state park, commercial pollution is extremely low, giving it a pristine environment that is miles ahead of the noisy Duval Street.
Heads up
- The beach is composed entirely of pebbles and sharp dead coral rather than fine white sand; entering the water without sturdy water shoes is very painful for feet.
- Entering the park requires buying separate tickets per person or per vehicle; even if you just want to sit on the beach for a bit, you must pay, raising costs.
- Renting beach chairs and umbrellas on the shore is quite expensive, and some staff are aloof and inefficient; during peak season, chairs run out quickly.
- Bugs and sandflies can be quite bothersome in the shaded spots, especially on windless summer evenings; without strong repellent, you will easily get bitten.